The policy in GN 00204.003 applies to all SSI applications. In addition, a third party is always a proper applicant
for establishing an oral inquiry or written statement of intent to file SSI benefits
because there is always a potential loss of benefits For examples of third parties,see
GN 00204.003B.3.).
A third party may sign an application solely for the purpose of protecting the claimant's
filing date if a protective filing does not already exist or the claimant is unable
to sign their own application before the 60-day protective filing period ends and
a loss of benefits would result. (For determining the protective filing closeout period,
see SI 00601.037B.)
EXAMPLE: As part of an outreach program, Lucie Brown, a social worker of a private agency,
interviews Lindon Smith on the telephone and discovers that they are potentially eligible
for SSI benefits. Lindon wishes to file for SSI. Lucie completes, signs and dates
an outreach referral form which indicates Lindon's intent to file for SSI benefits
and hand delivers it to the local SSA field office (FO) that same day. Because of
the potential loss of benefits involved, the referral form establishes a protective
filing date for SSI benefits as of the date we receive the referral form.